[afro-nets] SATELLIFE and AFRO-NETS - value added (4)

[Billy Futter <B.Futter@ru.ac.za>]

SATELLIFE and AFRO-NETS - value added (4)
-----------------------------------------

Pater has made a very fundamental principle that we tend to for-
get because we take so much for granted.

In South Africa we have initiated research into the value added
by pharmacists for their cognitive services. It is a collabora-
tive effort involving all the pharmacy schools, the Pharmacy
Council, the Department of Health and the Pharmaceutical Society
and other consultants. You can imagine that keeping in touch
with each other is a major challenge. We do so using a learning
management system called Moodle, a free open source software
system designed to create on line learning communities. (see for
yourself at http://moodle.org). The discussion forum is used for
exchange of ideas. Relevant files are posted to the site - e.g.
patient scenarios, research protocols, data collection instru-
ments. In addition, other internet resources such as websites
with legislation, prior research, the systems in other countries
etc. are stored in an easy accessible and logical format.

Having briefly shared my experiences with you, I am in a posi-
tion to use this medium to appeal for advice, assistance, links
to appropriate resources that I can pass on to the research
team. No amount of money or time would have given me the oppor-
tunity to make this appeal to this audience!

I would be delighted to answer any questions and even more
pleased to receive your assistance.

Many thanks,

Billy Futter
Associate Professor
Faculty of Pharmacy
Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
Tel. +27-46-603-8494
Fax: +27-46-636-1205
mailto:B.Futter@ru.ac.za